GRAND FINAL – Lockleys and Kenilworth play off in what should be a cracking contest. Its one game all this season. Can the Demons finally “get the monkey” off their back and win a grand final
By Jakob Matheson
Preliminary Final
Kenilworth v Colonel Light Gardens

Kenilworth welcomed Colonel Light Gardens to Simonds Park on Saturday afternoon for the Preliminary Final. With the winner getting an opportunity to play Lockleys in next weekend’s Grand Final at Richmond Oval. In their previous two meetings Kenilworth has had the wood over CLG, including the Qualifying Final two weeks ago when Kenilworth came away with a 44 point victory. After a slow, sluggish start to the game the home side started to get going and by quarter time had kicked four goals to one to take an 18-point lead into the first break. The second quarter was a dour affair with neither side able to get any really momentum. It took until the 10 minute mark for the Kookaburras to kick the first goal of the quarter and whilst the Lions had slowed down the run of Kenilworth. The Kookaburras still managed to control possession. This prevented CLG to create any real scoring opportunities as the Lions went goalless for the quarter and by halftime Kenilworth had extended their lead out to 33 points. CLG season was slipping away and they would need a big third quarter if they were to give themselves any chance. However, the Kookaburras had other ideas as Kenilworth continued to pepper the goals. Had it not been for their accuracy the three-quarter time margin of 39 points would have been far greater as Kenilworth managed only three goals from eleven scoring shots leaving the door slightly ajar for the Lions. The final quarter played out much the like the third with Kenilworth with a five goal to three quarter. To secure a 14.21 105 to 7.7 49 victory. In the end the 56 point margin could had been far greater as the Kookaburras finished with 35 scoring shots to 14 and never allowed the Lions to get into the game. Trent Grosser and Myles Crump combined for 6 goals for the Kookburras, whilst Jordan Wilson-King (1 goal) was outstanding, who along with the always influential Nicholas Chesser combined to set up the victory. Emmett Wood (4 goals) was the main standout for the Lions in the defeat. James Conlon and Josh Dawkins playing his first game for the season both battled hard. For Colonel Light Gardens it’s a disappointing finish to the season, but there has been plenty to like from the Lions and expect them to be around the mark again in 2021. For Kenilworth they now turn their focus to Lockleys and next week’s Grand Final.

SAAFL DIVISION 5 FINALS WEEK 4 PREVIEW
Grand Final
Lockleys v Kenilworth
In what has been entertaining but unusual 2020 season, we find ourselves on the eve of the SAAFL Division 5 Grand Final. Whilst the season that has only lasted 13 weeks, the Grand Final sees for the third time in only five weeks Lockleys taking on Kenilworth. The two teams have clearly been the in-form teams of the competition and it is sure to be a high quality contest. The Demons are entering the game as favorites having dominated the competition and, in the process winning 9 of their 10 games this season. Their only loss coming against their Grand Final opponents back in round 8 when Kenilworth got home by five points. After securing the minor premiership and winning the second semi-final Lockleys will be well rested and will be playing only their second game in four weeks. This should see them coming into the game with a clean bill of health and ensure they having fresh legs which could become important late in the game, especially on what is likely to be a heavy ground.
After a slow start to the season the last 6-7 weeks has seen Kenilworth play some of their best football for the year including a massive 56-point victory over Colonel Light Gardens in the Preliminary Final. The Kookaburras were forced to take the long road to the decider and will be playing in their 13th consecutive game in this condensed season. What effect will this have, does this allow them to maintain the momentum or could they be starting to run low on energy? In the second semi-final Lockleys got on top after half time, was this due to the advantage of the weeks rest?
Lockleys have been a high scoring team this season, especially in the first half of the season as they managed over 140 points in each of the first five rounds. This has been possible by their capacity to have multiple options to goals with Henry Johnson, Matthew Mcdonough and Dylan Howie all averaging over three goals a game. The Demon’s haven’t just relied on their goalkickers with players like Simon Ascoli, Alexander Stidiford  and Hayden Matinello regularly in their best. Whilst the ability of guys like Liam Narcys and Zain King play their role week in week out is vital for any team to have success.
For Kenilworth the improvement and consistency as the season has progressed of Samuel Scott, Lachlan Richter and Myles Crump has taken some of the pressure off Nicholas Chesser who is having an amazing season. For the Kookaburras to win they will need more out the likes of Trent Grosser and Isaiah Place and will be hoping Luke Wilson can hit the scoreboard. The weather is likely to play a factor in the game, so don’t expect a high scoring affair. Kenilworth come into this game as the underdogs but will be confident in the knowledge they have beaten Lockleys already this season and took the fight right up to the Demons in the second semi-final before fading late in the game. They will be hoping for a fast start to put some pressure on and doubts in the minds of the Demons. Lockleys have been the team to beat all season and look to have all the momentum needed to become 2020 South Australian Amateurs Football League Division 5 Premiers. Lockleys by 27 points.
 
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